Both sides of the "Deflategate" controversy were grilled in court by Judge Richard M. Berman on Wednesday, but he has yet to make a decision about whether to uphold or vacate Tom Brady's four-game suspension.

Yahoo Sports reported that NFL lawyer Daniel Nash was asked by Berman to cite direct evidence that the New England Patriots quarterback was in on a scheme to deflate footballs — thus making them easier to grip — during a January playoff game between the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.

Nash said there was no "smoking gun," and pointed to circumstantial evidence of texts between Brady and the Patriots employees who allegedly let the air out of the balls.

Brady denies any knowledge of any plan to deflate the balls.

Berman asked Brady lawyer Jeffrey Kessler why the quarterback declined to provide texts or emails to NFL investigator Ted Wells, and later destroyed his cell phone. Kessler said that Brady regularly destroys his phone to prevent leaks to the media.

"This is the most overblown issue in the history of my over 40 years of litigation," Kessler said in court.

The judge and both parties held several hours of settlement discussions following the court drama. If the parties don't settle, the next court date is scheduled for Aug 19. The Patriots' season begins Sept. 10.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, many fans gathered to show support for Brady.

"The Patriots are winners, and people are always going to hate the team on top," said Trevor Schramn, 20, who was wearing a "Free Tom Brady" T-shirt.

But ESPN reported that some detractors shouted "cheater! cheater!" at Brady as he exited the courthouse.

Both sides of the "Deflategate" controversy were grilled in court by Judge Richard M. Berman on Wednesday, but he has yet to make a decision about whether to uphold or vacate Tom Brady's four-game suspension.